Cleveland's Best Restaurants and Bars

... a guide for discriminating diners (and drinkers)

Ask any epicurean: good restaurants are hard to come by today. They
still exist, but with the changing times and landscape the very nature
of the restaurant has changed considerably. In judging them, the
long-respected standards of restaurant criticism still apply:
excellent cooking, pleasant atmosphere, and first-class service. But
in addition, another standard has become equally essential today --
and that is that the establishment must be locally or individually
owned and operated, unique to to the community in which it is a part
of.

Most that meet the above requirements also happen to be long-time
landmarks. This is because of vast changes in the food service
industry, the nature of American entrepreneurship, and our culture
itself, all of which are making it difficult for these kind of local
establishments to even exist. But if you look hard enough, you can
still find places worth patronizing that maintain these standards.

That said, here are my favorite Cleveland area spots to drink and
dine.

Here are some of my favorite establishments for a night on the
town, or for celebrating special occasions. These are places for fine
dining and -- it needs to be said today -- this should, of course, be
reflected in your dress and table manners. Don't be a cad! This means
dresses or nice pants and blouse for ladies, and suit or nice shirt
and trousers for the gentlemen -- don't even think of appearing
in jeans, tennis shoes or t-shirts! Reservations are recommended.

White Oaks in Westlake is
a Cleveland institution. A former speakeasy, it is one of Cleveland's
finest and most atmospheric restaurants. The outer foyer and grounds
are straight from the pages of Fitzgerald. Here you will find
traditional American fare at its best, prepared and served as it
should.
White Oaks, Reservation Desk, (440) 835-3090, 777 Cahoon Rd,
Westlake, OH 44145

Going strong since 1939, Kluck's Restaurant is
a seafood house with more authentic
nautical character than most seaside restaurants in Florida! There
are so many exceptional things about this historic
restaurant -- the neons outside, the elaborate old décor, the
vintage wood paneling and model boats, classic cocktail bar, George
the long-time maitre'd and, of course, the excellent menu and food.

Kluck's has a strong customer base, so if you're new they'll know
it's your first time, but your waitress will do her best to make you
feel right at home. My favorite is the grouper dinner; also excellent
are the Surf 'n Turf and the German Sauerbraten. Sliced brisket of
beef is a specialty. You must try the homemade potato pancakes and
apfel strudel. Although I've yet to investigate, according to their
website late Saturday night is Greek night
with Greek music, food and entertainment ... Opa opa!
Klucks Restaurant, (216) 226-9765, 1313 W 117th St, Cleveland,
OH 44107

Der Braumeister on Lorain Road
you'll recognize right away -- its neat and trim appearance is
postcard perfect! They offer delicious German cuisine, and stock over
sixty German beers in the house. The restaurant is decorated with
relics from the Old World -- note the elaborate mural on the back
wall. To see this, ask to be seated in the "castle room" when you make
reservations. If you're not up for a heavy German meal, visit their
bar and deli on premises.
Der Braumeister Restaurant & Deli, (216) 671-6220, Cleveland,
OH 44102

Swingos on the Lake is located in the Carlyle Condominium
high-rise along the Gold Coast of Lakewood. It's a Cleveland
institution and the Sunday brunch (with live entertainment) is a
favorite of many, including WRMR deejays
Jim Davis and Bill Randle -- as any of their listeners know. The Four Lads are
among the entertainers who have appeared at Jim Swingo's eatery.
Swingos On The Lake, (216) 221-6188, 12900 Lake Ave,
Cleveland, OH 44107

MarCal's Restaurant, established in
1971, is easily spotted from Pearl Road by its impressive, Spanish
Modern style dark wood beams, and murals of Cleopatra, Nero, and other
Roman figures painted over white stucco walls. The Spanish Modern feel
is continued inside, with large "barrel" doors, silver pewter plates,
and a notable, atmospheric lounge (catch the
live lounge act on weekend evenings). The menu is equally as
appealing, with a wide selection of dishes to chose from, especially
seafood and steaks. Featured seafood includes the Treasure Pot
and Captain's Platter, and several scampi dishes cooked the
same way since the restaurant first opened.
Marcals Restaurant & Lounge, (440) 885-5510, 6786 Pearl Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44130

Family Restaurants

If you want to sample some of the best cheeseburgers, fries and
malts in town, you can do it all under one log cabin roof at The
Rustic, a landmark restaurant in Rocky River. Their signature
burger is the 1/2 pound Riegelsburger, served on a kaiser bun and with
a side of the best french fries in town (unlike today's chains,
they're carefully fried in fresh oil). If you're not in the mood for a
burger or a sandwich, investigate the Rustic's daily special board for
other homecooked meals on the menu.

Being a favorite after-shopping stop, this place is always
packed. Even though it's on busy Center-Ridge Road, you can't miss
this log-cabin style building and vintage sign!
Rustic Restaurant, (440) 333-2422, 20780 Center Ridge Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44116

Sokolowski's University Inn
is an inviting cafeteria-style restaurant and bar that was established
in 1923, and has changed little since then. Today it is owned by the
third generation of the same family. The interior is cozy with wood
walls lined with nostalgic local photos, backlit cornices, wonderful
green vinyl-backed chairs, and a real wood-burning fireplace in the
main room that's in use during most of the winter. The homemade Polish
cuisine here is hearty, delicious and healthful -- as Mike Sokolowski
calls it, this is "anti-Atkins
diet" fare. They even offer their own home-brewed beer. Check the
daily menu on their web site. Specials
include stuffed cabbage, salisbury steak, kielbasa, paprikash and
sauteed pierogis like grandma used to make.
Sokolowskis University Inn, (216) 771-9236, 1201 University
Rd, Cleveland, OH 44113

Sterle's Slovenian Country House has been in the Sterle
family since the early 1960s, and is just as charming today as it was
over forty years ago. According to a 2002 Plain
Dealer article, the menu hasn't changed a bit either! This
"Old Country" style restaurant offers a nice variety of Slovenian
home-cooked meals. But the authenticity doesn't stop at the
décor or menu -- on Saturday evenings, accordionist
Fred Ziwich and his polka band, a staple at local German clubs and
midwest Oktoberfests, entertains diners and those patrons who wish to
take to the dance floor. Because of its large size, Sterle's is also
very accomodating for parties and special celebrations.
Sterle's Slovenian Country House, (216) 881-4181, 1401 E 55th
St, Cleveland, OH 44103

The Red Lantern has been in the O'Malley family since the
early 1980s. The family pride is evident throughout operations of this
restaurant and tavern. It is a popular spot for luncheon and early
dinners. Every Friday, they have fish fries featuring very fresh Lake
Erie perch and other specials such as crab cakes. Hamburgs are
old-fashioned style, delicious and hearty. The Italian wedding soup is
superb. The old-fashioned bar has notable décor.
Red Lantern, (216) 671-6581, 17446 Lorain Ave, Cleveland,
OH 44111

Downtown Cleveland's legendary New York
Spaghetti House is back! (You can also buy their famous brown
spaghetti sauce in area supermarkets, including Heinen's.)

Mama Santa's has the best pizza in Cleveland -- there
are no substitutes! I keep hoping to try their delicious-looking
homemade pasta one of these days, but I can never seem to pass up that
pizza. It is a charming restaurant with traditional old-time Italian
décor. Because it's very affordable, it is a favorite with the
University Circle students. I often go there after a trip to the Cleveland Musuem of Art.
Mama Santa Restaurant & Pizzeria, (216) 231-9567, 12305
Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106

Master Pizza in
Mayfield Heights, about fifteen minutes up Mayfield Road from Mama
Santa's, is a close runner-up to Mama Santa's pizza. Run by the
Lamarca family, it is a local institution and favorite! The sausage
and anchovy pizza is notable; be sure to get a delicious Italian side
salad with your dinner. Original china with Master Pizza logo is on
display in the dining room. Both their homemade sauce and noted house
salad dressing are available for purchase.
Master Pizza, (440) 449-1516, 6643 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH
44124

Bucci's in Rocky River features a cozy dining area and a
very nice vintage sign out front.
Buccis Pizza & Restrnt, (440) 331-5157, 19373 Hilliard Blvd,
Cleveland, OH 44116

A small, cozy, corner restaurant, Pepper's completely
captures the feel of those quaint little restaurants in New York's
Alphabet City. It has all the elements of the old fashioned Italian
restaurant: red-checkered tablecloths, wax-dripping candles, and oil
paintings; the music and décor are both pure Rat Pack. The
restaurant has been around for a long time and has the same pizza
recipe since the 1950s, with home-made dough made fresh every day.
Pasta dishes are generous. Excellent chianti. A nice stop before going
out on the town -- you'll feel like you're back in New York City
again!
Peppers Italian Restaurant, (216) 226-6191, 12401 Detroit Ave,
Lakewood, OH 44107

Guarino's Restaurant is a Cleveland landmark. Established in
1918 by one of Little Italy's founding families, it's the oldest
Italian restaurant in the city -- and for all these years, this cozy
little restaurant has remained owned and operated by the same family!
Like most of the traditional Sicilian items on the menu, the lasagne
is made using the same recipe Mama Guarino used decades ago. A nice
variety of desserts, including a generous serving of authentic
spumoni, and a light, brisk tiramisu. It's no wonder
Frank Sinatra was a regular when he was in town. The dining
area is intimate; reservations are a must.
Guarinos Restaurant, (216) 231-3100, 12309 Mayfield Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44106

At the site of the former Meilander Hardware store on Madison Avenue
in Lakewood, Angelo's kept the fine vintage sign out front and
fitted it with new neons for the new establishment. They offer a wide
variety of unusual "specialty" pizzas; the deep-dish crust is the one
to have.
Angelos Pizza, (216) 221-0440, 14019 Madison Ave, Lakewood, OH
44107

Luchita's is a longtime favorite of many Clevelanders, from
both East side and West. They have the most authentic Mexican menu in
town! They serve Mexico's national dish, a tender breast of chicken
with mole (pronounced
"moe-lay" and is from the Aztec meaning "sauce"), which is a
woody-tasting sauce made of nuts, fruit, chocolate, spices and grilled
pepper that takes two days to prepare. Other items of interest include
bison and white fish.

Nuevo Acapulco recently painted over their beautiful
tropical mural on the front, but they still offer some of the best
Mexican food in the area, for a reasonable price. My favorite is their
homemade sangria; they also stock a good selection of Mexican beer
including the exceptional Pacifico and Carta Blanca.
Nuevo Acapulco Mexican Restaurant, (440) 734-3100, 24409
Lorain Rd, North Olmsted, OH 44070

Mi Pueblo is a cafeteria-style "taqueria" on Lorain Avenue
in Cleveland, between the Lorain Antique District and West Park. It's
right around the corner from the original Luchita's, above.
Mi Pueblo Taqueria, (216) 671-6661, 12207 Lorain Ave,
Cleveland, OH 44111

Diners are
prefabricated restaurants delivered to their location and designed to
allow the owner to operate an independent restaurant service using the
most efficient, clean and modern technology available. For more on
this American innovation, visit the American Diner Museum
and subscribe to diner connoisseur Randy Garbin's By The Way magazine.

Other diner directories and sites include local diners as well.
Paul Coyne also has a diner directory with an Ohio page, and
you'll find a good half dozen listed on the I Love Diners site. Diner City covers all of North
America with diner listings, photos and reviews.

Aris Family Restaurant is a great little diner in North
Olmsted with a long, L-shaped counter. Breakfasts are reasonably
priced and hearty, too.
Aris Family Restrnt, (440) 777-9360, 27195 Lorain Rd, North
Olmsted, OH 44070

Charlie's Restaurant, also known as Charlie's Doghouse Diner
or Charlie's Diner, began many years ago as a hotdog stand that looked
like a big red dog house. Today its new owners have kept this historic
diner wonderfully preserved, and still offer three different sizes of
hotdogs -- as well as a full breakfast (they're also known for their
malted waffles
and a great cup of fresh ground coffee) and lunch menu. Charlie's
isn't very large (counter service only -- no individual tables), but
because it is so intimate, you won't leave without a few friendly
words from the owner, who incidentally is also the chef. If you're
ordering "to go," you can fax in your order ahead of time to (216)
661-7500.
Charlies Restaurant, (216) 661-4873, 2102 Brookpark Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44134

Easy to miss on busy Lorain Road in Fairview Park is Gina's
Place, a small cozy diner that only serves breakfast and lunch,
closing shortly after the lunchtime rush. Like Charlie's Doghouse
(above), it's another of those diners that you won't leave without
getting a friendly introduction from the owner.
Ginas Place, (440) 331-6082, 21930 Lorain Rd, Cleveland, OH
44126

Ruthie &
Moe's, located downtown, is
probably Cleveland's most popular diner. Please note their hours are
strictly working hours -- 7am to 3pm, Monday through Friday. Call for
daily menu specials and to order by phone. Ruthie's was restored by
Diversified Diners and is included in the Rock
and Roll Diner Cookbook.
Ruthie & Moes Diner, (216) 881-6637, 4002 Prospect Ave,
Cleveland, OH 44103-4302

John's
Diner on Detroit Road in Lakewood is just about the only real
pre-fab diner on the West Side of Cleveland. If you're not from town,
be sure to sign the out-of-town visitors list, which is a placemat
hung on the wall by the counter. John, who has been running this diner
for decades, comes in every day and can often be seen at the counter
during the morning breakfast rush.
Johns Diner, (216) 228-0871, 18260 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH
44107

Not to be forgotten is the genre of the downtown deli that serves
up warm meals to Cleveland businessmen and weekday downtown visitors.
These independent delis often welcome their patrons in with nice
vintage signs and inviting, old-fashioned counters. The following list
of downtown Cleveland delis specialize in and are known throughout
town for their delicious (and huge!) corned beef sandwiches, wrapped
in paper and served with a pickle. They also offer a variety of
lunchtime meals. As is typical of the downtown deli, you'll want to
get there sometime before 2 o'clock, since most of them close as soon
as the lunchtime rush is over. Also worth noting is that these delis
are only open during the business week.

The Sportsman's Restaurant, right near the Justice Center
downtown, is one of my favorite spots for corned beef sandwiches.
There's a counter area if you're eating alone and tables and a back
dining area if you're there with friends or coworkers. It's right by
the Justice Center. Just look for the friendly vintage Sportsmans sign
out front.
Sportsman Restaurant, (216) 861-5168, 101 Saint Clair Ave NE,
Cleveland, OH 44114

The Rathskeller is another top favorite of mine and has been
around for over 100 years! What first turned me on to this fabulous
deli is the vintage sign and unique, beveled exterior. While there,
make sure you stop in to the incredibly atmospheric lounge!
The Rathskeller Restaurant & Tavern, (216) 621-1552, 1144
Prospect Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44115

Slyman's is a well-known deli that I've still yet to check
out myself, but everyone who's been there insists that this is the
best place in Cleveland for a huge corned beef sandwich.
Slyman's Restaurant, (216) 621-3760, 3106 Saint Clair Ave NE,
Cleveland, OH 44114

Delicatessens are represented on the East and West Sides, too.
Everybody on the East Side knows that the deli is Corky and
Lenny's in Woodmere. Having a hard time finding homemade
creamed herring? This is the place for you! You'll want to sample
their bagels with lox (smoked salmon) and all of their other
deli-cious offerings.
Corky and Lenny's, (216) 464-3838, 27091 Chagrin Blvd,
Village Sq Shopping Ctr, Woodmere, OH 44122

The West Side's answer to Cleveland's downtown delis is
Goodman's Sandwich Inn at the corner of Pearl and Brookpark.
When it comes to corned beef, Saul and Danny Goodman don't skimp out.
Their large, juicy, thickly-sliced corned beef sandwiches are so big
that I can't even eat more than a half! Goodman's is a popular place
and is great for carry-out; every time I've been there, there's been a
line. If you'd rather eat there, you'll appreciate their '50s diner
style counter. Also noteworthy are the potato and macaroni salads.
Goodmans Sandwich Inn, (216) 398-6885, 5164 Pearl Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44129

Cleveland was once home to many noted tiki bars and Polynesian
restaurants -- at one time including two world-class favorites,
Chung's Restaurant in Fairview Park and the Cleveland
Kon-Tiki, the legendary Mid-Century Tiki paradise downtown at the
former Sheraton at Public Square. And not far away in Columbus was, of
course, the world-renowned Kahiki Polynesian
Supper Club, which was noted as the best Tiki restaurant on
the globe. While now only collectibles from these places exist in
antique shops and on eBay, you can still get a taste of authentic tiki
culture in Cleveland, if you're willing to hunt for it. It looks I've
fared a little better in the search than some
other Cleveland tiki hunters ... but we recently lost the best in
town, Bay Village's Bamboo House (if you
know the story, please drop me a line).

Great atmosphere is to be found in the dining room and lounge at
Asian Wok in Westlake. They have a large menu of Cantonese and
Mandarin specialties, and an American menu for the less adventurous.
Pork specialities include the rare Jah-Jan Mein, Barbecue and
Twice-Cooked Pork. They also have crispy duck, sweet scallops, and
lobster -- you'll never get bored with this variety! The same is true
for their drinks, with many exotic cocktails and aperitifs, including
all the standard tiki fare like Blue Hawaii, Mai Tai, and Zombie plus
imported ginger wine, served on the rocks. Their premiere cocktail and
my favorite there is the Lover's Volcano, a flaming drink of
molten lava for two! It doesn't taste alcoholic but, like the Zombie,
having more than one is not recommended!
Asian Wok Chinese Restaurant, (440) 871-0880, 24389 Detroit
Rd, Westlake, OH 44145

Dragon Gate is an old-fashioned Cantonese restaurant and has
been a Parma institution for decades. Come enjoy the sizzling Hawaiian
dishes, pupus served in native style with flaming hibachi,
tiki-patterned menus, exotic drinks and décor.

You're tipped off that this is a great place as soon as you walk in
and see the fabulous '60s cigarette machine in the lobby. Also of
interest is the golf driving range behind it with the neat super sized
golfball and their own retro vending machines that dispense beer!
Dragon Gate Chinese Restaurant, (216) 661-0800, 8701 Brookpark
Rd, Parma, OH 44129

Lit outside in giant pink neon, the Peking Restaurant in
Lakewood has the standard, large take-out Chinese menu (you can also
eat in or have it delivered). They serve what I call "New York" style
Chinese; what I recommend here is the General Tso's chicken
combination dinner, which comes with their delicious egg rolls,
crisp, large, and home-made. The origin of General Tso's Chicken
is unclear, but most agree that it is an American dish, and was
invented in New York around 1972, possibly because take-out sales were
declining as Chinese food was no longer so exotic. The
Washington Postinvestigated
the history of the real General Tso and his namesake dish in 2002.
Peking Restaurant, (216) 226-7800, 18198 Sloane Ave, Lakewood,
OH 44107

For a quick, fun breakfast, nothing beats stopping at an
old-fashioned doughnut shop counter for a fresh doughnut and hot cup
of coffee.

Spudnuts derives its name from the spuds added to the dough
recipe. For both cake and the fluffier, yeast style doughnuts, this is
a popular west side place. The cake-style sour cream doughnuts are
notable ... and heavy!
Spudnuts Donut Shop, (440) 234-4249, 650 Prospect Rd, Berea,
OH 44017

If you've ever walked Mayfield Road at the bottom of Murray Hill in
Little Italy, chances are good that you've been tempted by the smell
of doughnuts from Presti's bakery. It's been a favorite of
Little Italy for many years.
Presti's, (216) 421-3060, 12101 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH
44106

A further drive from Cleveland (about 90
minutes or so) will take you to Geneva-on-the-Lake's Madsen's
doughnut shop. The shop dates back to 1938 and has been in the same
family since it first opened. Chances are you'll have a little wait,
but it's worth it -- Madsen's has the best cream-filled doughnuts I've
ever tasted!
Madsen Donuts, (440) 466-5884, 5426 Lake Rd E, Geneva, OH
44041

Found on both the east and west sides of Cleveland, Amy Joy
Donuts is a family-owned
Northeast Ohio favorite that's been serving up tasty doughnuts for
the past three decades. It was a popular Sunday morning treat when I
was a child. You can buy
your own Amy Joy mug online. Their official site is amyjoydonuts.com.
Amy Joy Donuts, (440) 442-9733, 5076 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland,
OH 44124
Amy Joy Donuts, (216) 221-5057, 12901 Detroit Ave, Cleveland,
OH 44107

A good cocktail lounge is more than just a place to get a drink --
it must be the kind of place you enjoy spending time in. You should
never have to feel that you're "too dressed up" for a lounge. It
should be clean, carefully designed with quality furnishings and
tasteful décor, have an atmosphere that should be amenable to
developing camaraderie among fellow patrons, have knowledgeable
bartenders, and -- if there is to be music or television -- it
is done right and with consideration, not overwhelming and in your
face. Live lounge music is always a plus!

Today, all too often bars fall short of this standard. They're
dingy, dirty, lack flair and subtlety, and have bartenders that look
at you funny when you ask for a highball. Blaring television sets are
supposed to make up for lack of atmosphere. And perhaps most offensive
of all is the terrible "music" that is always played. A rule of thumb
seems to be that the louder the volume level, the worse the music is.

So although good lounges are getting harder to find -- not only in
town but throughout America as well -- there's still a few good ones
out there. Here are some operating today in Cleveland that I enjoy and
recommend.

Restaurants sometimes have excellent lounges; Cleveland notables
include the Four
Seasons Lounge at White Oaks, the lounges of MarCal's,
Der Braumeister, Kluck's Restaurant, Asian Wok,
Palmer's, and the Red Lantern (all listed above).
Downtown, the Rathskeller Deli has a notable lounge which is a
also good place to sit and have a meal while in the city.

The lounge at MarCal's
Restaurant is exceptional, in very stylish Spanish Modern
surroundings. Note the wonderful lighting, fixtures, and the curved
bar counter -- wow! On weekends, catch Gary Ryan's live lounge
act. You can even sit around his piano bar, but get there early --
seating goes quick!
Marcals Restaurant & Lounge, (440) 885-5510, 6786 Pearl Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44130

It has been said that the Germans are very strict about being clean
and orderly, and the bar at Der
Braumeister exemplifies this high standard. It is how a good
bar should be: as comfortable as your living room, and so spotless
that even in the corners it would pass the white glove test. The
selection of German beer is outstanding: there are well over fifty
different brews to choose from!
Der Braumeister Restaurant & Deli, (216) 671-6220, Cleveland,
OH 44102

A historic remnant of old Lakewood, the Mars Bar is nicely
situated on Madison Avenue at Mars near a lot of shopping. If you're
sitting at the bar you can watch the passers-by out the windows in
front of you.
The Mars Bar, (216) 221-0116, 15314 Madison Ave, Cleveland, OH
44107

The West End has a friendly atmosphere and a full dinner
menu. Once, some of the regulars at the bar even coached me, from
their bar stools, on my attempt at parallel parking outside the open
doors!
West End Tavern, (216) 521-7684, 18514 Detroit Ave, Lakewood,
OH 44107

The Five O'Clock Lounge near the Cleveland - Lakewood border
is easy to spot with its fabulous 50s neons.
Five O'Clock Lounge, (216) 521-4906, 11904 Detroit Ave,
Lakewood, OH 44107

Gunselmans is reminiscent of the old 1930s bars in NYC, with
heavy wood bar counter, nice metal chairs on the floor, and cozy
booths against the walls. This bar also has a kitchen. On the back
wall of the building they still have a painted sign on the brick
exterior.
Gunselmans Park Tavern, (440) 331-5719, 21490 Lorain Rd,
Cleveland, OH 44126

The Tick Tock Tavern has been noted as being one of the best
bars in town; famous for barbecue platters. Note the excellent
exterior facade with neons and clock.
Tick Tock Tavern, (216) 631-6111, 11526 Clifton Blvd,
Cleveland, OH 44102

The Venice Cafe in Kent is truly a gem of a bar. Going on
over 60 years of uninterrupted family service, it has a comfortable,
retro feel and a beautiful old mural of Venice's Ponte de
Sospiri (Bridge of Sighs). Other elements that make it worth
noting are the wonderful old wooden phone booth, cheap happy hour
prices and a kitchen that serves up $2 hamburgs, as well as -- later
in the night -- homemade pizza by the slice. Occasional live
entertainment; pool tables are popular.
Venice Restaurant, (330) 673-9023, 163 Franklin Ave, Kent, OH
44240